MOLOTOW Liquid Chrome Marker (1mm, 2mm & 4mm tip)
Enter the perfect way to imitate chrome in scale modelling in no time, using no brush or airbrush: wheel hubs/rims, rear view mirrors, lenses for lights, shock strut pistons of landing gear, car accessories, truck exhaust stacks, grilles, bumpers, door handles, disc brakes, etc. Uses of this marker to depict chrome plating on model kit parts are practically unlimited. It is so simple and easy to use and clean up is fast. These pens are available in 3 different tip sizes: 1mm, 2mm and 4mm in diameter. This is the chroming agent modellers have dreamed of for years, in order to create high-gloss mirrored effects.
Released in celebration of Molotow’s company 20th anniversary, Liquid Chrome Markers are great for creating an almost mirror finish on smooth, non-absorbent surfaces such as glass, glossy cardboard, plastic, resin, metal or photo-etched parts – even wood if properly sealed. The metallic paint is highly opaque and permanent with good UV-resistance, and the low-odor formula makes the markers pleasant to use both inside and out. Molotow's patented Flowmaster technology assures consistent paint flow. In fact Molotow do not manufacture just markers. They have more than two decades’ experience in graffiti/art spray paint cans and markers. Their products are precision tools - Made in Germany – with a lot of technology, quality and a constant spirit for improvement. It is well worth browsing their website to check hundreds of different items (sprays, markers and related stuff) and nine different spray caps to suit your desired spray pattern, down to 0,5cm (5mm) stroke width!
The specifications of Molotow Liquid Chrome Marker:
• alcohol-based, highly pigmented special ink
• high-gloss liquid chrome
• highly opaque
• permanent
• good UV resistance
• limited scratch - and abrasion - proof
• for nearly all surfaces
Nib width selection: 1mm, 2mm and 4mm (you can buy each separately or all of them).
We decided to try them out on some 1/24th scale car wheels (and on other stuff too) and the results were superb, as you can see in the photogallery and video below. We also used them for patching up/correcting dark unwanted ugly spots on damaged chromed plastic parts. When dry you can hardly tell which areas were corrected. The marker’s tip doesn't leave any visible strokes as the paint is flowing easily. The tip never clogs and the paint starts flowing immediately and steadily when you touch the surface. Using Molotow for the first time you just need to press firmly on the nib few times to get paint start flowing. The liquid paint is self leveling as it dries. Keep in mind that most photos here -or on the web- really don't do justice to the final effect of this product. Molotow markers are so much quicker, simpler and more effective than any other available solution, especially for details, like small chrome jobs and touch-ups on scale models. They are very reflective and the closest to chrome effect you have ever seen, even compared to the best spray can or airbrush works – and the secret is that it can be airbrushed as well! (There is a refill bottle available and the ink is thinned ready to use).
To think you can get that finish from a paint marker is just incredible. If you wonder how it would look on larger surfaces then it looks just as good! For those people into vehicle models with chrome parts that are cut from runner/sprues, this stuff is surely a godsend.
The ink is alcohol based, so it is advised not to cover it on the same day with an acrylic varnish (tests with Alclad Aqua ALC600 over Chrome resulted not so good). Other enamel or lacquered based clear cotes/varnishes should be used cautiously and only after experimentation (light mist first, many thin layers, not one wet). Using varnishes there is always the danger of solvent/thinner chemical reaction to destroy the finish. Using any kind of varnish/sealer/clear cote over chrome is generally not advised – unless it is absolutely needed (eg. decals, washes, etc). Most varnishes tend to make dull or even “kill” chrome/natural metal finishes anyway. Tests and practice are always advised before trying anything for the first time.
Once the chrome paint is dry, it won't show accidental fingerprint impressions, but if you purposely touch or rub your finger across it a few times the finish does haze (normal handling will do so over time as well). So, let enough time to dry completely and do not touch the parts at all - before and after painting. Preparation and cleaning of surfaces are equally important. Use of protective (powder free) gloves are highly recommended at all times. The chrome painted surface is durable enough once dried after some hours (days - better to be on the safe side) and does not pick up easily fingerprints but if you keep handling the model with bare hands you risk rubbing the shine off, ruining a good job anyway. Chrome looks great as long as you never touch it. It is also advisable not to mask with tape over chromed painted surfaces. Make sure that the chrome is your last paint step.
Definitely Molotow Liquid Chrome Marker offers the most realistic metal/chrome look coming of any pen we've used so far. A real winner you can’t be without.
Highly recommended!
You can find them in Molotow.com website/e-shop:
https://shop.molotow.com/en/molotow-liquid-chrome-1mm.html
https://www.molotow.com/magazine/molotow-liquid-chrometm/
https://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=272691
